The New Orleans Pelicans (30-30) battle the New York Knicks (34-27) Saturday, with tip from Madison Square Garden set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
This will be the first matchup between these teams this season.
The Pelicans lost to the Toronto Raptors 115-110 on the road Thursday, failing to cover as 4.5-point underdogs. The Pelicans are 4-3 against the spread (ATS) over their last 7 but 0-1 ATS since All-Star break. New Orleans is 28-32 ATS on the season.
The Knicks beat the Washington Wizards 115-109 Friday, covering as 1-point road underdogs. New York has covered 3 straight and is 5-1-1 ATS over its last 7, winning 4 in a row straight up as well. The Knicks are 32-26-3 ATS on the season.
Pelicans at Knicks odds
- Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Knicks -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +3.5 (-115) | Knicks -3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Pelicans at Knicks key injuries
Pelicans
- F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out
Knicks
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pelicans at Knicks picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 115, Knicks 112
Moneyline
The Knicks haven’t played well at MSG this season. They have a 16-15 home record which is the 6th worst home win percentage in the NBA. The Knicks are just 12-16-3 ATS at home.
The Pelicans have the size to counter Knicks C Mitchell Robinson as well. C Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 14.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game and should dominate the paint.
With the playmaking and size to give New York problems BET PELICANS (+135).
Against the spread
LEAN PELICANS +3.5 (-115).
I’d rather play the Pelicans to win outright which is why this is just a lean. Nonetheless, getting the 3.5 on the road could be just as good of a play.
Over/Under
The Over is 5-5 in the Pelicans’ last 10 games and 3-2 in the Knicks’ last 5.
The Pelicans rank 8th in offensive rebounding rate while the Knicks sit at 17th in defensive rebounding rate. The Pelicans sit at 15th in pace as well, so look for them to keep up the tempo.
Considering the extra offensive opportunities and relatively low projected point total LEAN OVER 223.5 (-115).